HOME REMEDIES

Siddha

FEVER

For ordinary fever and intermittent fever the following decoction may be administered:-

Preparation

Take Nilavembu (Chiratta) leaves two handful add 2 glass of water boil and reduce to 50ml. and filter.

Dose: 1/2 glass 2 times or 3 times a day

If fever is accompanied with bodyache, 2 piece of Arathai (Galanga the lesser), one teaspoon of MILAGU (pepper) and 2 piece of CHUKKU (Dry Ginger) may be added for the above preparation. But the quantity of water to be increased proportionately.

If cough is present with fever, 10 Nos of Adathodai leaves (ADATHODA VASICA) may be added with the preparation.

COUGH

(a) Take three leaves of Adathodai(ADATHODA VASICA) cut them into small pieces, and put the pieces into a vessel. add two teaspoon full of honey and fry the content until some pleasant smell comes. At that stage add the following coarsely powdered Athimathuram(Jamaica liquorice) 1 piece Thippli (Piper longum) 1 pinch Thalisapathri (Flucourtia calaphracta) 1/2 gm., Chitharathai(galanga the lesser) 3 piece then add 4 glasses of water and boil, reduce to 1/2 glass.

Dose: 1/2 glass two times a day.

(b) Take 2 glasses of water. Add the following drugs, Adathodai leaves (Adathoda Vasica) three numbers, Kandankathiri leaves (Solanum Xanthocarpum) five numbers. Thulasi (holy basil) leaves five numbers Thoothuvalai (Trilobatum) leaves ten numbers and 3 gms.,  of Athimathuram (Jamaica liquorice) after roughly powdering them boil and reduce into 1/2 glass.

Dose: 1/2 glass two times a day with honey.

(c) 10 gms., of the root of Thoothuvalai(Trilobatum), grind with Cow's milk and to be taken in the morning.

(d) Adathodai leaves juice 30 ml. (ADATHODA VASICA) , Finely powdered Milagu(pepper) 6 gms., Perugayam (asafoetida) 1 gm. mixed all and take in the morning and evening.

(e) For Chronic cough, it will give relief when 2 gms.,  of chooranam (powder) which is made out of equal quantity of Kadukkai (Chebulic myrobolan, Ink nut) and "Thippli" (Piper longum) is administered in honey twice daily.

IRAIPPU - ERUMAL - (Bronchial Asthma)

a) Combine 2 Nanjaruppan (Tylophora Indica) leaves and two numbers of milagu (Pepper) and a piece of Chukku (Dry ginger) to be taken in the morning along with milk.

DRY COUGH

Keep a piece of Athimathuram (Indian Liquorice) and two numbers of Milagu(Pepper) in the mouth and swallow the saliva.

HEADACHE

a) For running nose, headache, boil Nochi leaves (vitex negundo) in the water and place red hot brick on it. The vapour is inhaled by covering the body with a blanket.

b) Juice of Thumbai flower (Leucus) 2 drops may be instilled in nostrils which will produce sneezing, after which headache (due to cold) will be relieved.

c) Produce smoke by putting Omam (Carum copticum) Milagu(Pepper) Poondu thole (rind of the garlic) in fire and inhale the same.

Flatulance due to indigestion

a) Omam (Carcum Copticum) 35 gms. Milgu (pepper) 35 gms.  fry. combine this with palm jaggery and grind.

Dose: Betal nut size, morning and evening.

(b) Poondu (Garlic) Milagu (Pepper) Karisalai leaves (Eclipta Alba) in equal parts. Grind and administer twice daily in betal nut size.

DYSENTERY

a) One Mangoosthan (Mangostain) fruit can be taken twice a day

b) Powdered dried mango fruit.

Dose: One teaspoonful with Butter milk two times a day.

c) Powder of Vetpalai seeds (Wrightiatinctoria).

Dose: One teaspoonful with honey two times a day.

d) Powdered kadukkai thole (Rind of the Terminalia Chebula).

Dose: two gms. with honey.

e) Mathulampazha thole (rind of the Pomegranate) 10 gms., 

Mangoosthan pazha thole (rind of the Garcinia mangosthan 10 gms. Lavangam (clove) 4 gms., 

Kasakasa (opium poppy seeds) one teaspoonful.

Powder the above drugs coarsely and boil with the 2 gms. of water and reduce to half and filter.

Dose: 30 ml. two times a day.

f) Extract milk from half of a coconut, and mix 2 gms., of Kasukkatti (catechu) and administer two times a day.

VOMITING

a) Soak Seeragam (Cumin seed) in the lime juice and dry. Then powder the Seeragam nicely.

Dose: 500 mg. with honey two times a day.

b) Burn vasambu (acorus calamus) until it becomes coal and powder.

Dose: 200 mg. with honey.

c) Take equal quantity of juice of Mathulam Pazham (Pomegranate fruit) and cane sugar. Boil till it becomes a syrup. Administer one teaspoonful twice day.

CONSTIPATION

a) Soak ten gms. of dried Drakshai (Grapes) in sufficient water for some time and crush the Drakshai and take it at bed time.

b) Take five-numbers of Seemai Athippazham (Country fig) at bed time

c) Take papaya fruit either with food or separately (except pregnant ladies)

d) Soak 5 gms. of Nilavarai leaves (Indian senna leaves) in 1 glass of water for sometimes, and make it as a decoction 1/2 glass and filter it and take it at bed time.

FEVER WITH THIRST

Boil 5 gms., of alpagoda pazham (Prunus communis) in 1/2 glass of water, reduce to quarter, filter and administered with sugar, quantity sufficient at bed time. It acts as a Laxative also.

WHITE DISCHARGE

Five drops of Chandana Athar (Sandalwood oil) to be taken with Peyan vazhaippazham (Plantain) twice daily.

POLYUREA

a) Take dried flowers of Avarai (cassia auriculata), the tanner cassiae, 15 gms and prepare decoction with sufficient quantity of water.

Dose: 60 ml. two times a day.

b) Juice extracted from Kodippagal Kai (Bitter gourd) and to be taken in doses of 1/2 oz. (15 ml) twice daily.

SCABIES AND ITCHES

a) Juice of Kuppaimeni leaves (Acalypha Indica) with common salt may be applied externally.

b) Soak one part of karbogi Arisi(Psoralia corylifolia) in four  parts of coconut oil and apply the oil externally for skin infection.

c) Grind Arugampul (Cynodon daetylon) with a piece of Turmeric and apply externally for skin infection.

PADARTHAMARAI(Ringworm Infection)

Extract juice from the pods of Poovarasam(Thespesi piopulrea) and apply externally.

DANDRUFF

a) Grind Kattu Seeragam (Vemonnia anthelmintica with lime juice and apply on the head)

b) Take equal quantities of Kichilli Kizhangu (curcuma Zedoaria) manippungan Kai (seeds of sepaidus trifoliates) and Kasthuri Manjal (Curcuma aromatica) grind with water and apply on the head and take bath.

HAIR TONIC

Take Nellikai (Indian goose berry) juice 2 litres. Buffalo's milk 2 litres and gingelly oil 1 litre, boil up to thyla bagum and filter it, apply to the hair daily.

MANTHAM

a) Veliparuthi (Daemia Extensa) juice 15 drops to be mixed with one teaspoonful of castor oil and can be given in the morning.

b) Nochi (Vitex negundo), Nuna (Morinda tinctoria) Poduthalai (Leppia Nodiflora) is taken in equal parts (5 gms.) add 60ml. of water and reduce to 15 ml. by boiling, can be given in one teaspoonful dose three times a day.

c) Take 50ml. of water add 2 gms. of perungayam (Ferula asafoetida) and dissolve it. Administer 3 teaspoonful of solution with 5 drops of oma theeneer (distilled from carum trachyspermum roxburghianum) twice a day.

Ayurveda

Pyrexia (Fever).

1. Decoction of  Parpataka herb (parpadakapul)  1/4 tumbler relieves pyrexia.

2. Tinospora (Seenthikodi) decoction with some black pepper powder will relieve chronic fevers -1/4 tumbler & 1/4 tea spoon respectively.

3. Sacred basil leaf (tulasi) juice and Leucus (tumbai) leaf juice along with some black pepper will cure periodic fevers--two teaspoon each and 1/4 tea spoon respectively.

Coughs

1. Take the decoction of Adhatoda roots with some honey and powder of long pepper-1/4 tumbler  with  1/4 tea spoon  and one teaspoon honey.

2. Ginger juice with honey is also a good remedy--1/2  teaspoon juice with one teaspoon honey.

3. Take about  1 pinch of Chebulic myrobalan (Kadukkai) powder with some honey or equal quantity of liquorice root powder (Athimadhuram).  It cures cough with inflamed throat.

4. Leucus Leaf (tumbai) juice with honey is useful in whooping cough  1/2 teaspoonful with 1/2 teaspoon  honey.

Diarrhoea.

1. Take the pulp of Bael fruit (bilva) along with some sugar to relieve Diarrhoeas  accompanied by stomach ache--1 tea spoon.

2. Mix equal volumes of yellow wood sorrel leaf (puliyarai) juice and butter milk and   boil.  Add  1/4 tea spoon of Ajowan (omam) powder.  It cures diarrhoeas and dysentery 2 teaspoon.

3. Take powdered nut gall (masikkai) and  mix with some honey 1/4 tea spoon.  Three doses  will cure diarrhoes and dysentery in children.

4. Take Nutmeg (Jadikkai) and tender mango leaves in equal parts by weight and make  decoction.  This is to be given with honey 2 teaspoon.

5. Powder of nut grass tubers (korai Kizhangu) and Aswagand tubers (amukara  kizhangu) in equal quantity is given with honey--1 teaspoon.

6. Long pepper (arisitippili) ground with milk is to be given for three days to treat   chronic dysentery--1/2 tea spoon.

Emesis (Vomiting)

1. Take powdered coriander (daniya) or cardamom (elakkai) with tender coconut water         --1/2 tea spoon..

2. Give some quantity of coriander powder with rice washed water and sugar candy to  cure morning sickness-- 1  tea spoon  in 1/4 tumbler

Constipation.

1. Take castor (amanakku) root decoction with cow's milk and sugar in the morning in  empty stomach--Each 1/4 tumbler.

2. Grind castor root with some butter into fine paste, Apply a little on the tongue of   infants to relieve constipation--1pinch.

Emaciation and Weakness.

Take  equal 2 tea spoon powder of Aswagant roots with some milk and sugar or with  gingelly oil.  Regular in take will remove fatigue and weakness and it is an anabolic.

Tooth Ache.

1. Use long pepper powder with  some guggulu glu for brushing and cleaning the teeth.

2. Grind Fenugreek seeds (vendayam) with egg albumin into a fine paste and apply on the     cheek ( 2  tea spoon.).

3. Gargle with ginger juice mixed with honey 

4. Gargle with a decoction of drum stick root juice and Mustard 1/2 tumbler. ( 2 tea spoon Mustard).

Head Ache

1. Grind cleaning nut (tetrankotai)  in egg albumin and apply externally.

Unani

1.	Sue-a-Hazam (Indigestion)	a) Sounf (Sombu) Sugar b) Adrak (Inji)     Namak (Uppu)	Powder the ingredients in equal parts 1/2 teaspoon to be taken twice a day after food. Make Adrak into small bits 1/2 teaspoon of  adrak with a pinch of salt to be taken after food.
2.	Quabz (Constipation)	a) Ispaghoul b) Sanna leaves (Nilavarai)     Sugar	One teaspoon of Ispaghoul to be soaked in 1/2 a cup of water for 2 hours Luab-e-Ispaghoul to be taken at bed time. One table spoon of  sanna leaves to be boiled in one cup of milk and filtered. The filterate to be mixed with sufficient quantity of sugar and to be taken on empty stomach early in the morning
3.	Ishal (Diarrhoea)	Amla (Nellikai) Sugar	12 Nos. soaked in sufficient quantity of water over night. Boil it and make paste without seeds. The paste to be added to the khivam of sugar. 1/2 teaspoon to be taken twice a day.
4.	Sual (Cough)	a) Asal-e-soos (Adimathuram)     Sugar b) Chilbeenj (Thetankottai)     Honey	10 Nos. of Asal-e-soos with two table spoon of sugar to be powdered. 1/2 teaspoon grams of powder to be taken thrice a day with water. 10 Nos. of chilbeennj (fried and powdered) mixed with 1/2 cup quantity of warm honey. 1/4 teaspoon to be taken twice a day.
5.	Sailanur Raham (Leucorrhoea)	Saboos-e-Ispaghoul (Ispaghoul ummi)	Two teaspoon of saboos-e-Ispaghoul with 1/4 cup quantity of honey to be taken twice a day.
6.	Hurkatul - bole (Burning micturition)	Dry Kharkhask (Nerunji Mullu)	Three table spoon of Dry Kharkhask soaked in 3 cup of water over night. Boil and filter it next morning. 1/2 cup of filterate to be taken with pinch of sugar twice a day.
7.	Wajaul Asnan (Tooth Ache)	Tanbaku (Pugaiyilai) 10 grams Siahmirch (Millagu) 2 grams	Powder the ingredients, use as tooth powder.
8.	Hikkah (Scabies)	Berg-e-Neem (Veppelai fresh)	Three table spoon of Berg-e-Neem is boiled in 1/2 cup of water and Honey filtered. 1/2 cup of the filterate to be taken with honey twice a day.
9.	Wajaul Meda (Abdominal pain)	Namak-e-Hazim (Appam soda) 6 gms. Ilaichi Dane (Elakai vidai) 2 gms.	Both to be powdered final and 3 grams to be taken twice a day with water.
10.	Be-khabi (Sleeplessness)	Khashkhash safeed 10 gms. Kasakasa Roghane-Kunjad (Nalla Ennai)	Soak Khashkhash safeed in 1/2 cup of Roghan-e-kunjad over night. Boil, cool and filter it. Apply externally to the head at bed time.
11.	Yerkhan (Jaundice)	Tukm-e-Kasni 5gms. (Kasni virai) Gul-e-Surkh 15 gms. (Rojappu)	Both to be soaked 1 1/2 cup of water over night. Boil and filter it. 1/2 a cup of filterate to be taken twice a day.
12.	Humma (Fever)	Gulbail 15 gms. (Seendil kodi)	Soak 1 1/2 in cup of water over night, boil and filter it next morning. 1 1/2 cup of the filterate to be taken twice a day.

Note : If the symptom persists even after three days consult your nearest Siddha / Ayurveda / Unani Doctor for further course of treatment

Kadukai 

Benefit of Kadukai 

One- teaspoon full Kadukkai (Terminalia chebula) powder with hot water during bedtime will give relief from constipation.

- Mix a glass of milk with kadukai powder every night before going to bed. This is
very useful home remedy for heart care.

Kadukkai balances the three doshas. People who take Kadukkai in the prescribed methods can safeguard themselves against stomach ailments and live a long and healthy life.

Kadukkai is used in preparation of excellent remedies for digestive disorders, and kayakalpa. It induces appetite. It strengthens the stomach and helps in expulsion of fecal matter. It clears skin diseases, insect bites, and is used in treating jaundice.

Diseases cured by Kadukkai: Excessive urination, wounds, cough, jaundice, excessive thirst, impotency, liver diseases, leucorrhea, excessive bleeding, piles (hemorrhoids), stomach ache, indigestion, mouth ulcers etc.

People who should not take Kadukkai: People who have fasted, pregnant ladies, people with loss of digestive capacity.

Decoction of kadukkai helps in eye problems and excessive urination.

Kadukkai powdered and used for brushing your teeth stops bleeding of gums. It strengthens the gums and cures all gum diseases.

A kadukkai taken a day in the morning, for a year retards ageing and it is said grey hair would turn black.

INJI  - GINGER

As per the basic concept of Siddha, Inji

and Chukku plays very important role in Siddha preparations.

According to Siddha system, our human body is a wonderful replica representing the entire universe. The criterion by which an organism originates depends on 96 constituent principles. To elevate the soul on its spiritual journey, the Siddhas formulated an applied alchemy, the Kaya Kalpam (long-life elixir). Kaya means 'body, mind and psyche' and Kalpa means 'transmutation'. Kayakalpa is a transformative approach to health and consciousness to prevent and free from chronic diseases.

 It is because of its unique medicinal properties, and its healing power, this long-life elixir, Chebulic myrobalan is often known as the 'Kayakalpa.' The Siddha sages have prescribed like this: Consume Ginger in the morning; Dry Ginger in noon and Chebulic myrobalan or Kadukkai in the evening to keep your self young.

 

1. It is a Kayakalpa drug. Thin slices of inji are soaked in honey and two slices of inji to be taken daily for one mandalam (48 days) to rejuvenate our body.

2. Juice of fresh ginger can be taken with honey in indigestion and gas troubles.

3. In dryness of mouth and vomiting, we have to chew a thin slice of inji, a good remedy.

Ginger is also used for :

Atherosclerosis, heart disease

Chemotherapy support

Migraine headaches

Morning sickness

Motion sickness

Nausea and vomiting following surgery

Rheumatoid arthritis

Belching

Laryngitis

Vomiting

Constipation

Incontinence

Flatulence

Colic

Spasms

Fever

Eye diseases

Asthma

Colds

Cough

Basic Principles of Siddha Healthy Living

Food

· Take 2 meals a day. In the morning and in the evening.

· Take rock salt and fresh ginger before taking food. This will clear the throat and sharpen the appetite.

· When you take food, a tumbler of water should be places on the right side.
· One should not sit for taking food facing the north.

· If one passes wind when he takes food he must leave of eating. He must not take any food during the day.

· Sweet things should be taken first, salt and acid substances next; and pungent, bitter and astringent things at the end.

· Pomegranates, sugarcane and similar things should be eaten first and never at the end of dinner.
· Take hard substances in the beginning, soft things in the middle and the liquids towards the end of the meal.

· Do not run after taking a meal.

· Walking after dinner promotes life. It gives good health.

· After lunch, lie down on the left side for a short time. This helps for digestion. Surya Nadi works when you lie on the left side to ignite digestive fire.

· Immediately after taking food, it is highly injuries to bask in the sun, swim, ride or run, sing, sit by the fire side, fight, and practice physical exercise of asana, pranayama or study.

· Night meals should always be light and 3 hours before sleep.

· Do not take curd at night. Curd should never be taken without the addition of some salt.

· Food, cohabitation, sleep, studying and walking in the street should not be indulged in at sunset.

· Food, evacuation of the bowels, cohabitation, sleep, taking medicine should be done when the breath is passing through the right nostril.

Sleep

· Do not sleep with the head towards the north.

· Sleeping with head towards the south prolongs life.

· You will get wealth by keeping your head towards the west.

· You will get wisdom by keeping your head towards the east.

Sexual Health

 Sexual intercourse is prohibited for the first four days after the appearance of the menses, as well as on the 8th, 14th and 15th days of fortnights (light and dark), on the anniversary days of dead parents, in the day time, at midnight and during an eclipse.

· Morning cohabitation is injuries.

· He who has eaten heavy meals, who is hungry, thirsty, who is pressed with the calls of nature, should not indulge in sexual intercourse.

Aavaaram Poo

Benefit of Aavaaram Poo

 

Decoction, made up of Aavaaram panchangam (leaf, flower, fruit, stem bark and root bark) is highly useful for Diabetes.

Powder prepared from Aavaaram flower and Green gram is a good bath powder for skin ailments and it will improve complexion.

Fine powder of seeds to be mixed with coconut oil or gingili oil and its extract could be applied for eye disorders.

Decoction of the stem bark is a useful gargle for oral ulcers (Aphthous ulcer)

Bath oil prepared from this root is a useful remedy for all the pitha complaints and body heat because of its cooling effect.

Arugampul  -Bermuda Grass

Arugampul has interesting medicinal properties. The grass has the ability to purify blood and cure stomach ailments. Arugampul juice or powder increases hemoglobin levels and has good effects on anemic pregnant mothers. It is an excellent supplement for lactating mothers. It boosts Prolactin and so increases the quality and quantity of breast milk.

Arugampul contains more than 65% of chlorophyll . This helps in increasing the number of red blood cells in our body. It contains protein, fiber, calcium and phosphorus and potassium. It helps in maintaining the alkalinity of blood as it reduces acidity. It helps resists attacks of cold and is quick in removing phlegm.

Arugampul benefits :

The juice of this grass is applied over eyes for eye diseases.

For epistaxis, the juice of this grass is applied as nasal drops.

The juice of samoolam is applied externally over the swellings which tend to bleed. Hence the bleeding stops when applied.

The grass along with manjal or turmeric is ground and applied over skin diseases like scabies, fungal infections etc

Elumicham - Lime

Benefits of Elumicham

A very good and rich source of Citric acid, Citrate and Vitamin C. As per Siddha, it is a very good Anti-Pitha drug, a coolant, and a good carminative. Siddha Literatures also classify this herb under Kayakalpa or Kayakarpam. Regular intake makes the body healthy and rejuvenated. It also has various health benefits as discussed below.

Minerals found in Elumicham include small amounts of :

calcium - bone and teeth health.

magnesium - muscle health and preventing cramps by stabilising the nerves.

phosphorous - for cell wall, bone and teeth health - it combines with many other minerals in the body.

potassium - brain function, cell and muscle health and preventing cramps.

zinc - immune function, eye, nail and hair health, but also other organs. Zinc combines with many other vitamins and minerals in the body.

Vitamin E (skin, nails, hair, and cell health) and vitamin K (blood and bone health), plus niacin (blood and heart health) and folate (cell and DNA health) are found in small amounts, in addition to a large dose of vitamin C (immune functions).

Lime Juice : Extract of a squeezed lime :

2 teaspoons of lime juice with warm water daily in empty stomach cures constipation.

Lime juice mixed with equal quantity of honey and given empty stomach to reduce body weight.

2 teaspoons of lemon juice with 2 pinches of Black Pepper cures Diarrhea.

Massaging tooth and gums with lime juice helps to stop bleeding and eases pain.

Warm coconut oil with few drops of lime juice can massaged well in scalp regularly for dandruff and hair fall.

Lemonade : Drink prepared from Lime juice, water, sugar / salt / honey

Daily intake of Lemonade helps to cure increased Pitham, cools the body detoxifies the body, purifies blood, calms the mind. Also cures cough and respiratory problems.

Lemonade prepared with honey helps to burn fat and lose weight. It also makes our skin glow.

Lemonade acts as a Diuretic and flushes out all the toxins in our body in adding 1 teaspoon of ginger juice and 2 pinches of jeera powder to a glass of lemonade aids digestion after a heavy meal.

Inhibits Urinary calculi or Kidney stones as it contains highest amount ofCitrate.

Basic Esoteric Daily Practices

Appropriate patterning, or ritual conduct, is the foundation of a healthy life. Esoteric Daily Practices promotes healthy organization of the energy channels and the seating of the prana, or internal winds. You may want to fine-tune this practice for your constitution. In order to do that, consult a beginning book about Siddha Practice, the Esoteric science ( Tantric life science ).


This version of practices has been shortened and simplified.  If you are being advised by a Siddha doctor, or you have a Guru from wisdom tradition, that person will give you more detailed instructions based on your constitution and sadhana.

 
Remember that Esoteric Daily Practices is ritual. Try to directly experience the rhythm you are establishing in your life. As you are practicing Esoteric Morning Practices feel that you are honoring your self, your body and God by participating in this daily ritual.

Morning
Wake up by atleast 5AM to 6 AM.  If you can’t manage this at first, work your way into it. You can train yourself to wake up at this time naturally.


The Sun activates the pineal gland to send messages to the adrenal glands to release adrenal cortisol, which wakes us from deep sleep.


Before opening your eyes or getting out of bed, sense the energy of the day.
Rub your palms together quickly to generate energy and look at your palm for your palm to absorb the over night stored prana energy from your eyes, then gently energize your face, head, arms and hands with long, smooth strokes. Repeat this sequence until you have gently massaged your entire body, including your feet.


Check through your nostril(dominant)
Step out of the bed, touch the ground with the leg dominant side.
Evacuate your bowels. You can train yourself to do this at this time.
If your digestion is normally sluggish, drink a glass of warm water (fresh ginger, optional).
Wash your hands, and splash cold water on your face. Scrape your tongue with scraping tool available at pharmacy or yoga studio (dont use plastic one). Brush your teeth with mild, natural toothpaste and a soft toothbrush (if can with twigs like neem twigs etc.).


Take a slow walk in the fresh morning air for 30 to 45 minutes.
In the bathroom, dry brush your whole body. Use a natural bristle brush. Vata types should be particularly careful to stroke downward and without too much force. Pitta types should also use strokes that are less intense. Kapha types can use more vigorous back-and-forth strokes.


Perform Oil Bath—self-massage with gently warmed coconut oil + sesam oil + mustard oil / olive. Spend 30 to 45 minutes massaging the oil into your skin with long strokes, including ears, face and neck. A drizzle of warm oil may be poured on the crown of your head if you are planning to wash your hair. If your constitution is mainly kapha, you should perform oil bath only one to two times per week. You may want to use one of the massage oils formulated specifically for a kapha constitution. If you are experiencing high vata or pitta, you may want to use sesame oil or coconut oil respectively. Massage your body with oil only on lunar days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday)
Take a shower. Use Shiyakai or natural soap. Pad yourself dry.
For normal cold bath pour water from top to toe while humming
Eat breakfast. Follow the natural dietary instructions for your constitution..

Evening
Shower after work if the day has been stressful, or especially hot or humid. A bucket shower is great at night. The sheets of warm water from the bucket are much more relaxing than a typical shower.
Eat dinner no later than 7 pm or 3 hours before you go to sleep (fruits or light meal like chapati). Follow the dietary guidelines for your constitution.


Go for a slow walk daily for 30 to 45 minutes if you missed in the morning.
Stop watching TV, using the computer or reading at least an hour before bed (9pm). Instead, spend some quiet time with your loved ones. Or sit quietly, linking up with your Guru or simply the larger cosmos and a sense of grace. You can also do Pranayama and Meditation.

Go to sleep by 10 pm to 11 pm, before you become exhausted, or even very sleepy because the oxygen level during this time will become lower to make you sleepy. Try to fall asleep with God, Guru or positive thought in your heart.

Benefits of Karuva pillai - Curry Leaf

Herbal benefits of Karuva pillai 

Curry leaf tree is a small unarmed tree, which has highly aromatic leaves. It has a dark grey bark and closely crowded spreading dark green foliage. It grows up to 4-6 m tall, with a trunk up to 40 cm diameter. The leaves are impari-pinnate, alternately arranged, obliquely ovate or somewhat rhomboid with 11-21 leaflets, each leaflet 2-4 cm long and 1-2 cm broad

The leaf is used in South India as a natural flavouring agent in various curries. The leaves are said to have properties that would bring value as an anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-hypercholesterolemic etc. Preparations of Curry leaves are also useful in hyperdipsia, burning sensation, pruritis, in many skin diseases, and also in suppurating ulcers.The Kruva pillai leaves has vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin B2, vitamin C, calcium and iron in plenty. This is an ideal herb for people suffering from the ill effects of diabetes. Diabetes patients often suffer from frequent vertigo. There may be aches and pains in the upper and lower limbs coupled with impaired vision. These patients should take curry leaves at frequent intervals to overcome these problems. Kashayam made of curry leaves dried in shade and powdered is a very potent remedy that helps stabilize glucose levels in a diabetic patient.

1. For Bloated abdomen and nausea (feeling to vomit) : Take 5 to 6 Curry leaves, chop and crush them well. Mix well in a glass of butter milk and take whenever needed.

Daily intake will reduce burning sensation of body, heartburn, indigestion, tiredness and exhaustion.

2. For morning sikness : Prepare lemonade with honey. Mix half teaspoon of Curry leaf juice in it and drink.

3. For High Cholesterol : Take 5 to 6 curry le...aves, grind it well with 3 to 4 cloves of garlic and make it into a small pill. Take this empty stomach or with breakfast or dinner.

4. Using Curry leaves in daily diet will help you get rid of increased Cholesterol and over weight.

5. To reduce weight 8 to 10 leaves can be taken daily with food or drink. If the taste is not an issue. it can be taken fresh.

6. Oil prepared from Curry leaves is a good stimulant for hair growth and prevents greying of hair.

7. Daily intake prevents cancer as it inhibits the growth of cancerous cells.

8. Eating 5 to 6 fresh leaves daily improves eyesight.

9. Half to One teaspoon of dry leaf powder can be taken once or twice to increase Haemoglobin level, promote hair growth.

10. Taking Curry leaves daily makes the skin glowing and beautiful.

Suggestions:

 Use curry leaves powder as a substitute for fresh curry leaves in curries and fries

Miracle Herbs in Kitchen

COLDS

Mix a gram of cinnamon powder(kari paddai thulu) with a teaspoon of honey to cure cold. Prepare a cup of tea to which you should add ginger, clove, bay leaf and black pepper.. This should be consumed twice a day. Reduce the intake as the cold disappears.

GINGER FOR COLDS.

Ginger ((inji / halia) tea is very good to cure cold. Preparation of tea: cut ginger into small pieces and boil it with water, boil it a few times and then add sugar to sweeten and milk to taste, and drink it hot.

DRY COUGHS.

Add a gram of turmeric (manjal / kunyit) powder to a teaspoon of honey for curing dry cough. Also chew a cardamom for a long time.

BLOCKED NOSE.

For blocked nose or to relieve congestion, take a table spoon of crushed carom seeds (omam / ) and tie it in a cloth and inhale it.

SORE THROAT.

Add a tea spoon of cumin seeds (jiragam / jintan) and a few small pieces of dry ginger to a glass of boiling water. Simmer it for a few minutes, and then let it cool. Drink it twice daily. This will cure cold as well as sore throat.

AJWAIN/AJMO FOR ASTHMA.

Boil carom seeds (omam /   in water and inhale the steam.

CURE FOR BACKACHE.

Rub ginger (inji / halia) paste on the backache to get relief.

GARLIC FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE.

Have 1-2 pod garlic (pundu / bawang putih) first thing in the morning with water

HONEY AND GINGER FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE.

Mix 1 table spoon honey (then / madu) and 1 table spoon ginger (inji / halia) juice, 1 table spoon of crushed cumin seeds (jiragam / jintan), and have it twice daily.

MIGRAINE. .

For the cure of migraine or acute cold in the head; boil a tablespoon of pepper powder (melegu / lada hitam), and a pinch of turmeric (manjal / kunyit) in a cup of milk, and have it daily for a few couple of days.

BITTER GOURD IS GOOD.

A tablespoon of amla (Nellikkaai / ) juice mixed with a cup of fresh bitter gourd (karela) juice and taken daily for 2 months reduces blood sugar.

TURMERIC/ ARAD CURE FOR INJURIES

For any cut or wound, apply turmeric (manjal / kunyit) powder to the injured portion to stop the bleeding. It also works as an antiseptic. You can tie a bandage after applying manjal/turmeric.

CRAMPS

You must do a self-massage using mustard (kadugu / ) oil every morning. Just take a little oil between your palms and rub it all over your body. Then take a shower. This is especially beneficial during winter. You could also mix a little mustard powder with water to make a paste and apply this on your palms and soles of your feet.

HEADACHES.

If you have a regular migraine problem, include five almonds (badam / ) along with hot milk in your daily diet. You could also have a gram of black pepper (melegu / lada hitam) along with honey or milk, twice or thrice a day. Make an almond paste by rubbing wet almonds against a stone.This can be applied to forehead.

Eat an apple with a little salt on an empty stomach everyday and see its wonderful effects. OR When headache is caused by cold winds, cinnamon works best in curing headache. Make a paste of cinnamon by mixing in water and apply it all over your forehead.

TURMERIC

FOR ARTHRITIS.

Turmeric (manjal / kunyit) can be used in treating arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory property. Turmeric can be taken as a drink other than adding to dishes to help prevent all problems. Use one teaspoon of turmeric powder per cup of warm milk every day. It is also used as a paste for local action.

HICCUPS

Take a warm slice of lemon and sprinkle salt, sugar and black pepper on it.. The lemon should be eaten until the hiccups stop.

Kumari - Aloevera

The Kumari miracle: A natural medicine for cancer, cholesterol, diabetes, inflammation and other health conditions

Kumari means “ A virgin girl or ever living”. In Siddha this plant has been extensively used for its properties, of being a quencher of over pitta, high body heat, heat due to spiritual practices, detoxifier, kayakalpa and for problems arising due to mercury poisoning.

The flesh like gel part of the plant is to be used and is very effective for internal as well as external applications. Siddha texts have describe its use in Kayakalpa formulations.
 It is bitter, cooling, purgative, alteratve, fattening, tonic, aphrodisiac, anthelminthic and alexiteric. It is useful in eye-disease, tumors, spleen enlargement, lever complaints, vomiting, bronchitis, skin diseases, biliousness, asthma, jaundice and ulcers.

 Its is very good for the acne treatment. Aloe Vera’s anti-inflammatory properties soothe and reduces swelling and redness surrounding the affected region making your acne less visible. The Aloe Vera then moisturizes the skin helping to maintain skins natural pH balance.

Benefits of Kumari :
• Halts the growth of cancer tumors.
• Lowers high cholesterol.
• Repairs "sludge blood" and reverses "sticky blood".
• Boosts the oxygenation of your blood.
• Eases inflammation and soothes arthritis pain.
• Protects the body from oxidative stress.

• Prevents kidney stones and protects the body from oxalates in coffee and tea.
• Alkalizes the body, helping to balance overly acidic dietary habits.
• Cures ulcers, IBS, Crohn's disease and other digestive disorders.
• Reduces high blood pressure natural, by treating the cause, not just the symptoms.
• Nourishes the body with minerals, vitamins, enzymes and glyconutrients.
• Accelerates healing from physical burns and radiation burns.
• Replaces dozens of first aid products, makes bandages and antibacterial sprays obsolete.
• Halts colon cancer, heals the intestines and lubricates the digestive tract.
• Ends constipation.
• Stabilizes blood sugar and reduces triglycerides in diabetics.
• Prevents and treats candida infections.
• Protects the kidneys from disease.
• Functions as nature's own "sports drink" for electrolyte balance, making common sports drinks obsolete.
• Boosts cardiovascular performance and physical endurance.
• Speeds recovery from injury or physical exertion.
• Hydrates the skin, accelerates skin repair.

Kumari juice is a gret natural aid to detox. Drinking aloe vera juice provides a fantastically rich cocktail of vitamins, minerals and trace elements to help our bodies deal with these stresses and strains every day.

Application

Cleaning: The gel part is carefully excised out without any outer green part contaminating it. This gel is then washed seven times in water. The resulting gel is then used for external and internal applications.

Uses

- The resultant oozing juice is an effective remedy for eye diseases.

- It is a very effective coolant and hence leghyam and oil can be prepared with this is an excellent remedy to remove Pitta or Internal heat from the body.

- Aloe gel is boiled to proper consistency with gingely oil and this oil is used for head bath to get good sleep.

- Hair oil prepared with Aloe reduces ailments like headache and hair fall.

- Gel can be directly applied on to burns to enhance healing.

A banana a day keeps the doctor away!

Miracles of Banana Fruit 

BANANAS – Some Interesting Facts

Never put your banana in the refrigerator!!! This is interesting. After reading this, you’ll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber.

A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world’s leading athletes.

But energy isn’t the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills – eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a “cooling” fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In

Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body’s water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, “A banana a day keeps the doctor away!

Venthayam - Fenugreek

The Benefits of Venthayam - Fenugreek

Venthayam has abundance of chlorophyll, protein and iron in its leaves, which helps to gain strength and increase blood count. Venthayam is basic by nature which reduces acidity of blood and controls it. Generally venthayam is very well known as pain reliever, especially reliever of arthritic pains, rheumatic pains and joint pains, but it has many more qualities and powers to heal many diseases such as fever, vomiting, cough, gout, piles, low blood pressure etc. No wonder there are execelent home remedies using venthayam seeds in the Siddha system of medicine.

Other benefits of Venthayam :

- Fenugreek stops diarrhea, cures bad breath, soothes itching, cools the eyes, arrests hair fall, cures inflammation, cures cough, cures ulcers… the list goes on.

- Fenugreek is used as a digestive aid. Nursing mothers use fenugreek remedies to increase inadequate breast milk supply. Some studies have shown that fenugreek is a stimulator of breast milk production and it can increase milk production three to four times.

 - It is also helpful for treating diabetes and lowering cholesterol as it helps in reducing blood sugar levels.

- Fenugreek also helps in maintaining a good metabolism and prevents constipation.

- It purifies blood and helps in flushing out the harmful toxins.

- The simple home remedy to reduce blood pressure is Venthayam seeds.

- Fenugreek consumption helps bolster iron levels in pregnant women.

- Since fenugreek contains a substance called diogenin which is a compound that has properties similar to estrogen, it has been found to help increase libido. It is found to increase libido and male potency.

- Fenugreek is also known from ancient days for its treatment of reproductive disorders. It has been used to induce labor, to treat hormonal disorders, to help with breast enlargement, and to reduce menstrual pain.

- Fenugreek relieves hyper acidity and burning sensation in the stomach. Just chew some seeds with a little amount of cumin and you will feel the relief immediately. Fenugreek is rich in fiber content and is very good for solving stomach disorders.

- Fenugreek serves as a natural cosmetic. It prevents dandruff and strengthens hair. Application of fenugreek powder has been established as a remedy for preventing hair loss. This application on the hair makes it shiny and black.

How to Use  :

Take a spoonful of the fenugreek powder with a tumler of warm water in the morning an hour before breakfast. Adapt the same procedure in the afternoon and night.

Vepalai - Neem

Vepalai - Neem

 Vepalai tree is commonly known as margosa tree in Englis language. It is part of every Indian home due to its great application and hence is considered as a place of worship.  Neem act as anti bacterial, anti parasitic, anti fungal, anti protozoal and anti viral thus helps in protection from all the microorganisms, which are always ready to invade in our body causing serious ailments.

Vepalai medicinal uses :

The leaf juice in the dose of 10-20 ml is administered along with equal amount of honey three times a day for jaundice, intestinal worms etc.

Neem oil along with equal amount of castor oil is given early morning in empty stomach to remove the intestinal worms.

The leaves of this plant along with turmeric is ground together and applied over the areas of insect bite, sori (a skin disease), sirangu (scabies), fungal infection, karappan (eczema).

The decoction prepared from leaves and bark is used to clean the ulcers and skin diseases.

The leaf paste is applied over the burns.

The decoction prepared from the flowers is helpful in treating Gunmam or abdominal disorders.

The fruit is dried and the seeds are removed, this is then powdered and given in the dose of 1-10 grams two times a day for periodic fever.

The oil prepared from neem is an anti-septic and applied externally for ulcers, ezcema and sirangu etc.

Neem oil is also used over herpes infection, keelvayu or arthritis and kandamalai (cervical lymphadenitis).

The leaves are used as a bed for the patients suffering from pox infection.

 The twigs of neem are used as an ancient brush for teeth according to Siddha literature the constant use of this will relieve tooth ache, halitosis or bad odour from mouth etc.

Tender leaves of neem is an excellent medicine for diabetic patients.

The neem oil, 5-6 drops is given along with milk in diabetes.